More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 540 litres / 142.65 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 20.0cm / 7.87inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 12.05dgH / 215ppm |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
Behaviour:
Lobocheilos Melanotaenia can exhibit aggression, especially during feeding times, and may actively chase fish that encroach on their territory. It is recommended to house them with agile and peaceful cyprinids as tankmates to avoid confrontation. Avoid slow-moving or long-finned species as companions. While they prefer loose aggregations, they are not particularly tolerant of conspecifics, especially in confined spaces. Therefore, it is advisable to keep them in a group setting in the aquarium.
Feeding and Diet:
Lobocheilos Melanotaenia are specialized grazers that primarily feed on periphyton, benthic algae, and other organisms attached to solid surfaces. They will leave scrape marks where they have been feeding. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet consisting of live or frozen chironomid larvae, Tubifex, Artemia, chopped prawn, and sinking dried foods. It is essential to include food with a significant vegetable component, such as Spirulina, to ensure a balanced diet.
Reproduction & Dimorphism:
Wild Lobocheilos Melanotaenia undertake seasonal spawning migrations. They migrate from the lower Mekong and Tonle Sap system to the middle Mekong basin in Laos for spawning purposes. Sexually mature females are deeper-bodied compared to males. Males exhibit more pronounced tuberculation on the head and snout during the breeding season.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to the Mekong River in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the Lobocheilos Melanotaenia species are also found in the Dong Nai basin in southern Vietnam and the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong systems in Thailand. They prefer rivers and streams with moderate to fast flow and rocky substrates. In their natural habitat, they are known to participate in significant seasonal migrations within the mainstream Mekong River.
Aquarium Setup:
To recreate their natural habitat, a tank for Lobocheilos Melanotaenia should resemble a flowing stream or river setup. Use variably-sized water-worn rocks, sand, fine gravel, and potentially small boulders as the substrate. Incorporate driftwood, roots, branches, and hardy aquatic plants like Microsorum and Anubias. Ensure clean, well-oxygenated water with a turnover rate exceeding 10 times per hour. Bright lighting encourages biofilm development for grazing.
Refer to the provided table for specific water condition requirements.